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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

1860's baby layette

Recently one of my online reenacting friends' was expecting her first child! A while later she discovered she was going to have twins!!! So some of her local friends planned a 1860's baby shower! I so wish I could have been there, but since I live thousands of miles away I couldn't be. Rather I made a few things to send her.  If you know me. You know I prefer simple things. I've never been one for all the frills of fashion. I'm more of a sleek person. That said, that's what I did with these. :D

 For the gowns. I used simple cotton prints.


For the pattern I used Sarah Jane's lovely infant gown pattern. I pleated the front of the bodices and both skirts were hand gathered. I think used the coat sleeve pattern from Elizabeth's pattern.


The chemises were made out a fine white cotton. It was so soft I really enjoyed working with it. :) I based them off of Sarah's pattern here.  (Which is shaped pretty much like this chemise. :) I just added length, tapered it out slightly, cut both the front and back on the fold, and bound the neck link as one 'big' circle.

Lastly we have the caps. :) Once again fine white cotton with lace edging. And self fabric ties which I only put in the bottom. I'm sure I found the pattern for this on Sarah's blog also, but I can't for the life of me find a link. :-/ Basically the brim is rectangle as are the ties and the back is rounded on the top and flat on the bottom as you can see. :D

The adorable recipients Alanna and Jesse. :)

Thanks so much, Sarah Jane for being so helpful and sharing. Your such an inspiration. I'm so blessed to know you!

 I suppose I will sign off now. As I'm running on 3 hours of sleep last night a cup off coffee this morning and I've had a very busy day. Me and  Michelle froze 39 quarts of sweet corn,  pulled and snapped a gallon and a half of green beans, picked a gallon and a half of blackberries in a terrible patch (we're super scratched up now :P), and  we just got done making/canning 12 quarts of blueberry jam. Now the kitchen is spotless and it 10:54 p.m.. :D Needless to say. I'm alittle tired and in for a day of the same tomorrow. :)

Love,
Brooke

12 comments:

Mrs. G said...

All of the baby things look just perfect and the babies look adorable in them!
You sure were busy today, I can definitely relate. :-) I bet your house is just brimming with good things to eat this winter and that's a good feeling, isn't it? I find that motivational for myself anyway. :-)

Brooke said...

Thanks so much, Mrs. G. :)
It *is* a good feeling to know we'll be brimming over with food this winter! I never relized how much I 'enjoy' preserving till a few days ago I felt "lost" with out it. We haven't done a huge amount this year....but that's changing as I speak. ;)

Love,
Brooke

The Whitakers said...

Neat-o! You are sooo talented!

Yeah, sorry we didn't come help ya with the corn. Mom wanted to do a few things. So she needed us. :(

~Sarah

Brooke said...

Aw, that's sweet of you dear. :)

Its okay. :) We survived. :) Me and Michelle had a real jolly cutting it off. :D lol

Love,
Brooke

Sarah said...

Your sewing is so beautiful and the babies set off the sweet items you made so perfectly! What darlings!! How nice you could participate in the baby shower even though you live so far away!

Brooke said...

That's very kind of you to say, Sarah. :) It is very much appricated. :)

Anonymous said...

Aw Yeah... I so totally ditto everybody else :D You did a *wonderful* job with everything just like you always do! I like simple too.. you know me!
I'm sorry, really sorry I can't be there.. It could be so fun to cut corn (or anything else too for that matter) with y'all.... Have fun anyways, and do try to get some sleep soon ;)
I'll see ya 'round Hon
Kate

Brooke said...

So sweet of you, Kate. :) I wish you were here to. Or me there. :D We could make canning a real blast, I'm sure. :)

Love ya,
Brooke

Sarah W said...

I just discovered you have a blog! Looking good so far :)

I've seen theese on the SA before, but they're just so cute! I'm looking forward to making period clothes for my little one (though as I re-enact the 14th century, they won't be as cute as these) - what luck to have friends like you making such lovely presents!

I hear you, my style is simple as well, thus I usually make working- or lower middle class clothes from whatever century presently takes my fancy.

Anonymous said...

Sure thing, it makes me happy just thinking about it :) "blast" is the right word!

Brooke said...

Thanks so much, Sarah. :) I can't wait to see what you make for you little ones. :) I'm so excited for you btw. :)

Unknown said...

Hi. I've tried openning each of the links shared and cannot. How do I become part of Sarah's blog? I am giving an 1860's shower for two dear friends in October and like you I like the more simple, sleek lines. :)